feel

Pronunciation: /fiːl/

Definition of feel

[with object]

1be aware of (a person or object) through touching or being touched:she felt someone touch her shoulder you can feel the soft grass beneath your feet
be aware of (something happening) through physical sensation:she felt the ground give way beneath her
examine or search by touch:he touched her head and felt her hair [no object]:he felt around for the matches
[no object] be capable of sensation:the dead cannot feel
[no object, with complement] give a sensation of a particular physical quality when touched:the wool feels soft
(feel something out) informal investigate something cautiously:they want to feel out the situation
(feel someone up) informal fondle someone surreptitiously and without their consent, for one’s own sexual stimulation.

2experience (an emotion or sensation):I felt a sense of excitement [no object, with complement]:she started to feel really sick it felt odd to be alone again [no object]:we feel very strongly about freedom of expression
[no object, with complement] consider oneself to be in a particular state or exhibiting particular qualities:he doesn’t feel obliged to visit every weekend she felt such a fool
[no object] (feel up to) have the strength and energy to do or deal with:after the accident she didn’t feel up to driving
[usually with negative] (feel oneself) be healthy and well:Ruth was not quite feeling herself
be strongly affected by:he didn’t feel the loss of his mother so keenly investors who have felt the effects of the recession
[no object] (feel for) have compassion for:poor woman—I do feel for her

3 [with clause] have a belief or impression, especially without an identifiable reason:she felt that the woman positively disliked her
hold an opinion:I felt I could make a useful contribution

[usually in singular]

2a sensation given by an object or material when touched:nylon cloth with a cotton feel
the impression given by something:a cafe with a cosmopolitan feel

Phrases

feel one's age: become aware that one is growing older and less energetic.
feel free (to do something): have no hesitation or shyness (often used as an invitation or for reassurance):feel free to say what you like
feel like (doing) something: be inclined to have or do:I feel like celebrating
feel one's oats: see oat.
feel the pinch: see pinch.
feel the pulse of: see pulse¹.
feel small: see small.
feel one's way: find one’s way by touch rather than sight:he felt his way back to the stairs; proceed cautiously, especially in a situation that is unfamiliar:she was new in the job, still feeling her way
get a (or the) feel for (or of): become accustomed to:you can explore to get a feel of the place
have a feel for: have a sensitive appreciation or an intuitive understanding of:you have to have a feel for animals
make oneself (or one's presence) felt: have a noticeable effect or influence:the economic crisis began to make itself felt

Old English fēlan, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch voelen and German fühlen

Definition of feel in the US English dictionary